<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-Giving-Tree1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-859" title="The Giving Tree" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/The-Giving-Tree1-290x290.jpg" alt="" width="290" height="290" /></a>In early December,<a title="SJVC Temecula" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/temecula/"> SJVC Temecula </a>initiated the giving tree, an opportunity for families in need to receive gifts for their children and families. As of December 20<sup>th</sup>, nearly 40 wishes have been fulfilled by faculty, students, staff, and fundraising on campus. Extra funds for wishes were gathered by selling candygrams and delivering holiday messages delivered by students from Diversity, HOSA, ASB, and even Mr. Magilla the Christmas Gorilla. There was also an ugly sweater dress down day, giving students an opportunity to share in the holiday spirit, as well as compete for ugliest sweater!

Lasting an entire month, the holiday can food drive was a huge success, refilling (and overflowing) the SJVC Temecula food pantry, and creating 8 holiday feasts for families in need on campus. Through competition between the floors, nearly 600 cans and non-perishable items were collected – <em>that’s over 2 items per student!</em> This effort helped provide some holiday feasts, as well as rejuvenate a long-lasting food pantry on campus for students in need.

The alumni association is now in full swing! After having its first meeting, students graduating and about to graduate at SJVC Temecula had their first meeting towards the future of SJVC! Numerous ideas will soon be starting, including alumni events, a scholarship fund for new SJVC students, publications and testimonials, and more! If you’re interested in getting more information, or even helping plan the future of alumni at <a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu">SJVC</a>, please contact Mr. Hall at 951 296 6015.